The best lens for interior architectural photography will capture the space accurately, have greater reach and have a good aperture to produce maximum detail.

If you love taking photos of interiors, this article will help you understand what lenses to use, and how to get the perfect shot.

A good lens for interior architectural photography is the perfect camera accessory for anyone who wants to take interior shots. A modern mirrorless camera such as the Sony A7 will work perfectly with this lens as it takes very sharp photos and can get almost everything in focus.

Best lens for architectural photography sony

When it comes to interior architectural photography, there are many things to consider. You want the right lens for your camera that will allow you to capture every detail and every beautiful detail inside or outside of a building. So find a lens that is comfortable and easy to use, one that fits your style of photography and gives you great image quality.

The best lens for interior architectural photography is the Sigma EF 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art, according to our data. This lens offers exceptional sharpness and bokeh, as well as a fast f/1.4 maximum aperture that can help you create great abstract background blur in low-light situations. If you don’t need such a wide field of view, then this affordable lens also makes sense on many full-frame cameras with APS-C sensors, which will provide an equivalent field of view of 53mm. The Sony FE 50mm F1.8 OSS is another great choice for Nikon and Sony mirrorless shooters looking for an affordable option

One of the most challenging aspects of interior photography is finding the right lens. The settings on your camera and lighting situation play a big part in determining what you should use, but a general rule of thumb is to either go wide-angle or telephoto. A zoom lens can usually be used, but it’s not always the best option. Take a look at our list to see what we recommend for each brand, and then consider how much equipment you want to carry with you when going on an assignment.

Best lens for interior architectural photography

• Written by Collin Abdallah
• August 20, 2018

In a world rapidly transitioning toward primarily digital content creation, more and more people are beginning to experiment with various digital media. There is undoubtedly an intimate relationship between architecture and photography, and many architects enjoy experimenting with taking pictures, both of their own work and of their surrounding environment. But how do you know if you have the right gear needed to start off on the right foot? And more importantly, how can you get the most out of your equipment?

Our series of camera designs includes the best lens for interior architectural photography as one of the largest manufacturers. As a website focused on giving you the best cameras, solaroid aims to provide the most stylish and extravagant cameras for you. Our experts analyze the globe to find the most beautiful and unique cameras and feature them on solaroid. There are many unique cameras in our collection, including best lens for architectural photography Sony, best lens for indoor photography Sony, and best focal length for interior photography.
We have the sony lens for interior photography anywhere in the world, with great designs, values, and styles. The designs of cameras vary widely. The solaroid official website is the best place to shop for the best lens for indoor photography nikon. Our cameras are among the most popular on the market. You can find the best fuji lens for interior photography on our site. Choose from a variety of camera designs available now for affordable lens for real estate photography. Choose now!

In honor of World Photography Day this month, we have put together a helpful guide to get started with lenses for architectural photography. This guide will specifically highlight the best lenses (for both DSLR and mobile) to use for your shots and why.

If you have gotten into the world of photography, you know that it is a very expensive hobby. And to invest in making it a profession it is just that, an investment. A few of the lenses listed below can cost nearly as much as a high-quality camera, so it is important to do your research so that you settle on the right lens for your specific use and price range.

The two main differences (apart from price) between these lenses will be the focal length and aperture. The focal length is usually denoted in millimeters (45mm, 85mm, 200mm, etc.) and refers to the distance between the center of a lens or curved mirror and its focus. In other words, the shorter the focal length, the wider the field of view. In architectural photography, anywhere between a 16-35mm focal length is ideal for interior shots. But for more detailed or intricate shots, anywhere from 35mm to 200mm will do the trick.

The other most important aspect of these lenses is the aperture. The lens aperture is the ratio of focal length to effective aperture diameter and is usually specified as an f-number. A lens typically has a set of marked “f-stops” that the f-number can be set to. A lower f-number denotes a greater aperture opening which allows more light to reach the image sensor. So for example, a 200mm focal length f/4 lens has an entrance pupil diameter of 50mm. You can check out this video by YouTuber Peter McKinnon for more about this concept and some other lens types.

Now, without further ado, let’s talk about some lenses.

Canon TS-E 90mm f/2.8

This is perhaps Canon’s best-performing tilt-shift lens to date. If you are unfamiliar with tilt-shift lenses (most beginners likely will be), the term “tilt-shift” refers to the two different types of movement: rotation of the lens plane relative to the image plane, tilt; and movement of the lens parallel to the image plane, shift. Tilt is used to control the orientation of the plane of focus or the part of that image that appears in focus. Shift is used to adjust the position of the subject in the image without moving the camera back, which is particularly helpful when trying to avoid converging parallel lines. This is helpful in architectural photography when capturing tall buildings.

While it is helpful to utilize the tilt-shift movement of this lens, at a price of $1,399 and a relatively steep learning curve, you can achieve nearly the same result with a little post-production magic in editing software like Lightroom or Photoshop. But for a professional, this lens is an incredible tool for capturing crisp and clean urban contexts with minimal adjustments needed in post.

Canon 16-35mm f4L IS Lens

This lens delivers the optimal combination of wide-angle and low-light performance. The variable focal length from 16-35mm offers the ability to capture wide-angle interior shots, but also the ability to focus in on any detail shots you might also need as well. Built to be incredibly durable, this lens would also be handy on unpredictable site visits when you may need to zoom out for an overall construction shot or zoom in on that intricate wall section detail.

Being an L-series lens, this lens is priced ($999) at a professional standard, but it will no doubt be a go-to part of your camera arsenal.

Mobile

A unique aspect of digital photography that has burst onto the scene in the last few years thanks to the advancements in smartphone camera technology is mobile photography. it is now easier than ever to get professional quality with the point-and-shoot camera you have in your pocket every day. The debate for the best smartphone camera is one that has been widely discussed across the internet, but the three most recent contenders are Apple’s iPhone X, Samsung’s Galaxy Note 8 (and recently unveiled Note 9) and Google’s Pixel 2.

It is possible to get incredibly high-quality images with minimal initial and post-production effort from these phones straight from the stock lenses, but you can now also utilize professional-quality hardware that attaches straight to your phone.

Moment lenses for iPhone and Android are at the top of the market for smartphone photography. They offer a range of wide, fisheye and macro lenses, with the recent addition of an anamorphic lens to achieve a more cinematic look. The lenses have to be attached via a custom case (which is quite stylish as well), and at a combined price point of around $130-$150, this may be a viable option if you are looking to invest in a quick and easy way to get professional-looking photos at a more respectable price.

Filters

The last, and perhaps most important aspect of lenses in architectural (or really any type of) photography is the use of neutral-density (ND) filters. The purpose of a standard photographic ND filter is to reduce the amount of light entering the lens. These filters can become important when shooting exterior shots on a relatively sunny day.

In photography in general, it is always a good idea to have more control over how much light is ultimately entering the lens, and the different types of ND filters allow you to do just that in order to achieve your desired effect. You can again reference this video from Peter McKinnon about ND filters and the various types to determine which might be best for you.

Best Lenses for Interior Photography

by Paul SkidmoreUpdated April 24, 2021

If you are entering the world of interior photography – whether for real estate or general interior design, a high-quality lens is a must. Preferably a wide-angle lens, with great low-light capabilities. There are a large selection of suitable lenses available, and to help narrow your choices, we have selected 11 of the best lenses for interior photography. This includes Canon, Nikon, Sony, and third-party options.

Related Post: Interior Photography Tips

Our Top Picks for Every Camera Model

Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM
A versatile wide-angle lens with a durable build qualityCHECK PRICE

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED
A high-quality and inexpensive option for Nikon camerasCHECK PRICE

Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS
Benefitting from Zeiss glass for superior optical performanceCHECK PRICE

Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 DI VC USD G2
An excellent third-party choice and fantastic sharpnessCHECK PRICE

Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM | Art
A relatively cheap third-party lens that delivers fantastic low-light shotsCHECK PRICE

The Best Lenses for Interior Photography

• Best Lenses for Interior Photography – Canon
  • Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM
  • Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM
  • Canon EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM
  • Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM
• Best Lenses for Interior Photography – Nikon
  • Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED
  • Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED
  • Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3
• Best Lenses for Interior Photography – Sony
  • Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS
  • Sony FE 12-25mm f/4 G
• Best Lenses for Interior Photography – Third-Party
  • Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 DI VC USD G2
  • Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art
• Which Interior Lens is Right for You?
• Interior Photography Lens FAQs

Best Lenses for Interior Photography – Canon

Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM

Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USMBest EF lens for interior photography

This lens offers stunning quality and build design, with a versatile focal distance.CHECK PRICEFantastic viewing anglesSuperior lens element constructionDurable build qualityRelatively expensive

• Aperture Range – f4 – f/22
• Autofocus System – USM
• Image Stabilization – Yes
• Weight – 615g / 1.355lbs
• Dimensions – 82.6×112.8mm / 32.51×44.40 inches

Our top pick for Canon is the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM. There is an f/2.8L version available, but you should not need an f/2.8 aperture for interior photography, so the f/4L variant is more than adequate. This L-series lens has a fantastic build quality and is incredibly durable if you expect to travel to multiple locations in a day.Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM

It also has a superior lens construction with aspheric and ED elements. These elements reduce distortions and will ensure that your real estate photos are sharp from corner to corner. The maximum aperture of f/4 also offers greater control, should you need it when working in poor interior lighting conditions.

To create detailed shots that emphasize the space of the interiors, you will find the 16mm-35mm focal distance works perfectly. At 16mm you can capture wide-angle shots so that smaller rooms do not look too narrow.

Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM

Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USMA great wide-angle lens for a great price

This is a great budget option and a well-rounded prime lens.CHECK PRICEA fantastic budget optionExcellent lens constructionLightweight and portableNot as sharp as the EF 16-35mm

• Aperture Range – f/2.8 – f/22
• Autofocus System – USM
• Image Stabilization – Yes
• Weight – 280g / 0.617lbs
• Dimensions – 68.4×55.7mm / 26.92×21.92 inches

If you want a budget option for interior photography, the Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM remains a great choice. This lens is quite old, but it offers fantastic image quality and clarity, for less than $600. 24mm is an ideal focal distance for interior photography and taking wide-angle shots of rooms.

It also has a full-time manual focus mode which allows for greater control in interior scenarios when you are set up with a tripod and don’t need AF functionality. The lens construction has aspherical elements and a range of advanced coatings. These help reduce distortions and improve color, clarity, and sharpness. As a result, you can create professional-grade interior shots that are bold and detailed.Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM

This lens is a lightweight and compact lens, which is great because carrying bulky gear to different real estate shots can be tricky. This lens can offset some of the trouble.

Canon EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM

Canon EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STMBest lens for EOS M cameras

This is a great kit lens for EOS M cameras and easy to use for interior photography.CHECK PRICEVersatile focal rangeA fantastic portable lensIncredibly inexpensiveNot as high quality as EF lenses

• Aperture Range – f/3.5 – f/22
• Autofocus System – STM
• Image Stabilization – Yes
• Weight – 130g / 0.286lbs
• Dimensions – 60.9×44.5mm / 23.97×17.51 inches

EOS M camera owners have a decent choice when it comes to the best lenses for interior photography. However, the best option is the Canon EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM. This compact, lightweight lens is versatile and another top budget option. On cropped-sensor mirrorless cameras like the EOS M50, the 15-45mm translates to 24-70mm which is perfect for interior photography.Canon EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM

Due to its small design (with the retractable feature), it could make the perfect choice for those quick, unexpected sessions where you do not have time to assemble a huge array of equipment. Although the quality may not compare to EF lenses, it can produce sharp images with minimal softening, even in low-light situations.

Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM

Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USMBest RF lens for interior photography

For EOS R cameras, this lens offers superior image quality and sharpness.CHECK PRICEVersatile for tripod, or handheld usageFantastic viewing angle for great detailSuperior lens construction for ultimate qualityRelatively expensive

• Aperture Range – f/2.8 – f/22
• Autofocus System – USM
• Image Stabilization – Yes
• Weight – 840g / 1.851lbs
• Dimensions – 88.5mm / 34.84 inches

The Canon RF lens mount series is expanding and already includes some fantastic options. For interior photography, the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM is the best choice, however. Similar to the EF version, this lens has a fantastic focal range that will allow you to capture amazing detail and depth in your real estate photos.

If you do not have a tripod handy for on-the-fly shoots, you can still shoot handheld quality photos easily thanks to the built-in image stabilization. This can correct for up to 5 stops of camera shake.Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM

For ease of use, we also love the programmable control ring. When shooting in difficult lighting situations, you can use this ring to quickly adjust the exposure brackets, for example. The superior lens construction when combined with a powerful camera like the EOS R5 means that your interior shots will look exceptional.

RELATED POSTS7 Tips for Better Indoor Portrait PhotographyIndoor Low Light Photography: Master Challenging Indoor ConditionsThe Best Software for Real Estate Photography

Best Lenses for Interior Photography – Nikon

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G EDOne of the best budget options for Nikon FX

This is a brilliant budget option for Nikon FX cameras.CHECK PRICEHigh-quality lens coatings to reduce distortionsInexpensivePortable and compactSome could find 35mm too narrow

• Aperture Range – f/1.8 – f/16
• Autofocus System – SWM
• Image Stabilization – No
• Weight – 305g / 0.672lbs
• Dimensions – 72×71.5mm / 28.34×28.14 inches

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED is a solid prime lens for interior photography for Nikon FX cameras. At 35mm, you still have great detail and depth for your interior photography photos and can still enhance the perceived space of small areas.

If you are just starting out in this type of photography, this is a good budget option and still provides fantastic image quality. Your interior shots will look sharp, have minimal softening, and minimal distortions. Also, the lens has aspheric and ED elements which also help reduce adverse flare effects from strange interior lighting conditions.Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED

The lens coatings also help boost color, clarity, and contrast – your real estate photos will pop! For less than $400, you get a high-performance lens that is also easy to carry.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G EDBest Nikon lens for interior photography

This is a well-rounded lens with excellent features for interior photography.CHECK PRICEHas a versatile focal range for interiorsLightweight and easy to carryQuality lens construction for detailed imagesCan have softening at the photo corners

• Aperture Range – f/3.5 – f/22
• Autofocus System – SWM
• Image Stabilization – No
• Weight – 385g / 0.848lbs
• Dimensions – 83x95mm / 32.67×37.40 inches

If you feel that 35mm is too limiting for interior photography, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED offers more versatility. This compact lens allows you to shoot interior photos in greater detail at 18mm so you can really show off the space and light of the rooms.

We also like the advanced construction of this lens. It has three aspherical elements which reduce aberrations. Also, it has two ED elements that improve sharpness and color correction. Together, these features mean you can easily produce professional real estate and interior photos with brilliant details.Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED

Whilst this lens is a little more expensive than the 35mm prime, it is still a good budget option for less than $600.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3Best Z lens

For Nikon Z cameras, this is a great portable option.CHECK PRICEA great budget optionVersatile focal range for different compositionsLightweight and compactNot as high quality as some other Z lenses

• Aperture Range – f/4 – f/22
• Autofocus System – STM
• Image Stabilization – No
• Weight – 195g / 0.429lbs
• Dimensions – 73.5x51mm / 28.93×20.07 inches

For Nikon Z cameras, the NIKON NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 is a relatively new choice but makes a great option for interior photography. Most Nikon Z lenses are expensive, but this could be classed as a budget option for less than $450.

It has a stylish design and looks fantastic, but it is also highly functional as one of the best lenses for interior photography. The 24-50mm focal range offers good versatility and means you can capture rooms and interiors in various compositional styles.Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3

Also, it features a fantastic lens construction that will result in sharp images with great clarity and contrast. In low-light situations, this lens also performs well, and the f/4-6.3 maximum aperture range will give you adequate control over your interior shots.

Best Lenses for Interior Photography – Sony

Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS

Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSSBest Sony lens with Zeiss glass

This lens features excellent glass quality and superior image clarity and colorsCHECK PRICEHas superior Zeiss glass elementsA durable design that is easy to useCorner-to-corner image sharpnessRelatively expensive

• Aperture Range – f/4 – f/22
• Autofocus System – AF
• Image Stabilization – Yes
• Weight – 518g / 1.141lbs
• Dimensions – 78×98.5mm / 30.70×38.77 inches

For Sony DSLR owners, the Sony 16-35mm Vario-Tessar T FE F4 ZA OSS represents the ultimate in quality. This zoom lens features Zeiss class and coatings which greatly boost image quality, whilst also reducing flare and ghosting. If you want professional interior shots, this is the way to go.

It also has a superior design that features dust and moisture-resistant glass. This means you should not have to spend time cleaning the lens between shots. Also, it has a range of lens elements that will make your interiors pop with excellent colors and contrast.Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS

You can expect corner-to-corner sharpness, and this lens also performs well in poor lighting conditions thanks to the constant f/4 aperture.

Sony FE 12-25mm f/4 G

Sony FE 12-25mm f/4 GA multi-zoom lens with a great constant apterture

This is a versatile wide-angle zoom lens for Sony E-mount cameras.CHECK PRICEAspherical and ED elements for excellent qualityA programmable focus hold button for convenienceSuperior, durable build qualityIncredibly expensive

• Aperture Range – f/4 – f/22
• Autofocus System – DDSSM
• Image Stabilization – No
• Weight – 565g / 1.245lbs
• Dimensions – 87×117.4mm / 34.25×46.22 inches

If you want to go a step higher than the Vario-Tessar, you can opt for the Sony FE 12-24mm F4 G. This G-series lens has a superb build quality and offers some of the best quality available for interior photography. It is a high-performance lens built for professional usage.

Four aspherical lens elements combine to suppress any type of distortion and aberrations. Also, nanocoatings ensure minimal lens flare and ghosting. Essentially, you can create perfect interior photos with this lens.Sony FE 12-25mm f/4 G

If you need to change exposure settings for difficult lighting situations, you can also make use of the focus hold button or even program this button for exposure compensation to make your interior photos easier to compose.

Best Lenses for Interior Photography – Third-Party

Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 DI VC USD G2

Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 DI VC USD G2Best third-party option

This Super Performance lens offers a great third-party alternative.CHECK PRICEA versatile 15-30mm focal rangeExcellent lens constructionDurable and moisture-resistantQuite heavy and bulky

• Aperture Range – f/2.8 – f/22
• Autofocus System – USD
• Image Stabilization – Yes
• Weight – 1100g / 2.425lbs
• Dimensions – 98.4x145mm / 38.74×57.08 inches

The Tamron Super Performance range of lenses offers amazing quality, and the Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 DI VC USD G2 is no exception. This third-party lens has a range of lens elements and coatings to boost image quality, contrast, and colors – your interior photos will look fantastic.Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 DI VC USD G2

Subscribe to PhotoWorkout!

Get updates on the latest posts and more from PhotoWorkout straight to your inbox.SUBSCRIBEBy subscribing, I consent to receiving emails.

At 15-30mm, this is also a versatile lens that can cope with multiple types of interiors. Whether you need an ultra-wide-angle to shoot a tight bathroom, for example, or something narrower to focus on a particular interior detail.

We also like that this Tamron SP lens is available for Nikon, Canon, and Sony cameras.

Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art

Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM ArtAnother top-range third-party alternative

This Sigma Art lens has a great build quality and fantastic features for interior photography.CHECK PRICEA versatile 15-30mm focal rangeExcellent lens constructionDurable and moisture-resistantQuite heavy and bulky

• Aperture Range – f/2.8 – f/16
• Autofocus System – HSM
• Image Stabilization – No
• Weight – 810g / 1.785lbs
• Dimensions – 98.4x145mm / 38.74×57.08 inches

The Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM Art is another excellent third-party lens available for Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sigma, and Sony cameras. The 18-35mm focal range will give you versatility in your interior shots whilst still providing the best wide-angle perspectives.Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM | Art

It also has a lens element that features SLD and aspherical elements. These help reduce distortions like ghosting and flare, but also boost image quality and sharpness. As a result, you can be sure that your interior photos will look professional with no imperfections.https://429bc786a9e74630a77c7d90db70391a.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html

Which Interior Lens is Right for You?

We hope you have found this guide on the best lenses for interior photography useful. If you are starting out taking interior photos, budget lenses like the Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM, Canon EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM, and Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM Art are great choices. Alternatively, if you are looking for an upgrade and moving into professional territory, the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM, Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8 L IS USM, Sony 16-35mm Vario-Tessar T FE F4 ZA OSS, and Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED offer greater quality for a higher price.

Interior Photography Lens FAQs

What is an ideal focal distance for interior photography?

Anything less than 35mm is ideal for interior photography. 35mm or wider should allow you to create a sense of depth, and capture the entire detail of rooms etc.Is 50mm wide enough for interior photography?

50mm is erring on too narrow for interior photography. But this depends on what interior photos you wish to create. For professional real estate shots, for example, 50mm may not give the width and depth required.Is a tripod essential for real estate and interior photography?

For the best results yes! Using a tripod eliminates motion blur and allows you to use lower ISO settings for minimal background noise.How can you manage difficult interior lighting conditions?

One technique is to create bracketed shots with multiple exposures, and combine them in post-processing software afterwards to create HDR composite photos.